Second hand record turntable - Which one?

the Rega P3 with the Exact cartridge is a very good deal. I have it, I also had the Pro-Ject, the Rega is a step up. You will be happy with it for many years to come.

(be prepared for people to ignore your list and recommend completely different TTs)

That’s some great advice, thank you all for taking the time to help me out! I live in Europe, so unfortunately those eBay listings aren’t really an option for me.
There is a 6 month old Technics 1500c with a Ortofon Red for sale for €700 though.

I understand picking out ‘the right turntable’ is a very personal thing. To each their own preference of sound, looks, options and brand. I do enjoy the clean no fuss looks of the Rega and Pro-Ject as opposed to the more DJ oriented look of the silver Technics. But the black SL-1200mkII en 1500c are okay and I love that they are quality build tables.

For now, it is obvious that purchasing the 10 year old Xpression and Debut Carbon is a no go, simply because I can’t test the components that Bill mentions and the seller isn’t a commercial seller that offers warranty. The P3 or the 1500C are the contenders, because they both are newer and better options in terms of quality and sound.

Perhaps the best option will be to test the different turntables on the same setup and see which one I prefer. And then go from there and start my journey.

You’d be fortunate to find someone competent and honest enough to do all the testing that Bill recommends, and if this rare individual is in the audio business, the cost of those services is likely to double or more than double the base cost of the units you listed. So it’s good that the Rega is not a very old unit, and I say again, buy from a seller who will guarantee the condition. If there are gross problems, you’ll soon know.

Go for that Technics!

https://us.technics.com/products/direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1500c-k

What features do you want? Things to look are include:

- How is 33/45 speed change implemented: button, move belt on external pulley, remove platter. Do you frequently listen to 33/45 or >98% 33 only?

- Is antiskate adjustable? Important if you want to use different cartridges.

- Can you adjust arm height/VTA? Also important if you want to explore different cartridges.

- Do the tables have height adjustable feet? Rega infamously does not, but there are aftermarket ones from TNG spinner. Not sure about the project. 

- Any design preferences? say color? If the TT does not spark joy, you won't use it. Been there, done that.

Re second hand risk, the fewer parts a TT has, the lower the risk. Simple designs tend to be sturdier. Re price, I would suggest to factor in a new stylus (or new cartridge) right away. Old stylus with new alignment (shipping, new set-up) is a bad recipe. With Ortofon red, you can upgrade with stylus only to Ortofon blue. As the red has a conical stylus, while blue has elliptical, that is a no-brainer upgrade, IMHO.